Brisbane Clinical Psychologist Dr Katie Trickey describes how Cognitive Processing Therapy can be an aid to recovery after rape and sexual assault …

Sexual assault is a traumatic, sometimes life-threatening event.

Not surprisingly, it can lead to the development of a range of disorders that include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, and sexual dysfunction.

Sexual Assault is More Common than You Think

Sexual assault is also prevalent in our society and so under-reported that the statistics we have do not represent the number of people affected.

Some people suffer in silence for many years, believing that it will do them no good to disclose what has happened. At then end of 2017 we saw many Hollywood stars speak out about sexual assaults that they had kept secret for years, fearing that it would not benefit them – or may even have had a negative impact – if they were to say anything.

There are many, completely understandable, reasons why people do not disclose or report sexual assault. However, disclosure in a confidential and safe space to an experienced therapist can bring many benefits in terms of recovery, whether the assault happened just recently or many years ago.

Seeking Recovery after Rape or Sexual Assault?

Most people who have suffered sexual assault experience guilt over what they had to do to survive, and/or shame over having been victimised.

As a way of gaining control over the event and feeling safe about the future, they look to themselves for responsibility when questioning why the event occurred, and try to protect themselves from further attack by avoiding certain places or activities. When a person blames themselves for the assault but feels helpless and hopeless about recovering or preventing other traumas, depression is a likely outcome.

Five major areas of psychological and interpersonal functioning are disrupted by victimisation:

Safety;

Trust;

Power/control;

Self-esteem;

Intimacy.

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD

Cognitive processing therapy can help people address these issues and regain their lives.

What is Cognitive Processing Therapy? CPT is a form of cognitive behavioural therapy that was developed specifically to treat PTSD and depression following sexual assault. It combines cognitive and exposure-based therapies with material especially designed to help in the aftermath of sexual assault. CPT helps people to understand their individual reactions to the assault, and what is hindering recovery.

What does Cognitive Processing Therapy involve? It involves writing about the meaning of the event, and identifying the feelings associated with the sexual assault, as well as the negative self beliefs that often arise.

It also involves the client learning how their prior experiences and beliefs affected their reactions to the trauma, and how the trauma has changed their beliefs.

Throughout these stages, sticking points for further work will be identified by your therapist. Assignments between sessions consolidate face-to-face therapy.

How will cognitive processing therapy help? This form of therapy helps the client to:

accept the sexual assault as an event that occurred and cannot be ignored;

reduce intrusive recollections, flashbacks and nightmares;

experience and process intense emotions associated with the event;

gently challenge their thinking in order to reduce self-blame and guilt, while increasing acceptance and power;

Dr. Katie Trickey is a Brisbane Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in PTSD and the trauma of sexual assault. She has worked in both London and Australia, and can provide expert help to victims/survivors of rape and sexual assault.

Appointments

Are you looking for a Brisbane Psychologist with Appointments Available Now? Vision Psychology at Mt Gravatt on Brisbane’s southside is open 7 days a week. Appointments with our Brisbane psychologists are available from 8am to 8pm; including Saturday and Sunday.

Freecall 1800 877 924 or 3088 5422. Our friendly staff will assist with bookings or your enquiries. Our reception hours are usually 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Call Centre Managers can be texted on 0431 009 934. At times our phones get very busy, so you can always send a message via our Contact Form.